Nuclear fuel assembly storage rack whose cells contain a neutrophage section

Abstract

A rack for storing or transporting nuclear fuel assemblies includes a plurality of adjacent prismatic cells having cell walls defining interior fuel assembly storage spaces. The cell walls are formed from a criss-crossed, ordered stack of elongated structural elements of constant cross section, disposed in successive layers and having a long dimension perpendicular to the axis of the cells. Neutrophage sections in tubular form and having a cross section corresponding to that of the cells are disposed against the cell walls within the nuclear fuel assembly storage spaces.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A rack for storing or transporting nuclear fuel assemblies comprising: a) a plurality of adjacent prismatic cells of defined axis having cell walls defining interior fuel assembly storage spaces, said cells having a length sufficient to receive the fuel assemblies and being parallel to one another, the cell walls comprising a criss-crossed, ordered stack of elongated structural elements of constant cross section, disposed in successive layers and having a long dimension perpendicular to the defined axis, said elements having sufficient structural strength and heat conductivity for storage of the nuclear fuel assemblies; and   b) neutrophage sections in tubular form and having a cross sectional shape corresponding to that of the cells, the neutrophage sections being disposed against the cell walls within the fuel assembly storage spaces.   
     
     
       2. The rack according to claim 1, wherein the neutrophage sections are in the form of tubes which are closed or open in a lengthwise direction. 
     
     
       3. The rack according to claim 1, additionally comprising at least one neutrophage element incorporated into the stack to provide structural strength.